Hanceville Police Department’s future remains uncertain following council meeting

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March 2, 2025

The future of the Hanceville Police Department remains uncertain following discussions at Thursday night’s city council meeting.

A large crowd gathered, with many stepping forward to share their concerns regarding the department after a grand jury indicted four officers, the police chief, and the spouse of one of the officers.

During the meeting, more than a dozen community members spoke, the majority expressing opposition to the grand jury’s recommendation to dissolve the department.

Hanceville resident Janice Shelton voiced her disapproval of dismantling the department, advocating for leadership changes and improved hiring practices.

“There’s a lot of people upset, a lot of people upset,” Shelton said. “Get a new chief; get some officers in here to do a good job. Investigate or do a background check or something. We still have some very good employees here with the city of Hanceville.”

Former Mayor Katie Marie Whitley also addressed the council, expressing disappointment in the situation.

“How do I feel about it? I’m ashamed that this has happened; I’m ashamed that we didn’t have more leadership down here,” said Whitley.

City Council members stated they were unaware of the indictments until the public announcement was made.

Councilor Patty Dean noted that the department currently has only a few officers remaining. When asked whether the department would be disbanded in the near future, Dean admitted the decision remains uncertain.

“I don’t know. I honestly don’t know. It’s just something we’ve all got to get together and sit and think about, and it’s going to take time because we’ve got to do it right,” Dean said.

Whitley suggested that such an important decision should be determined through an election.

The council scheduled a special meeting for March 10 at 5 p.m. at the Hanceville Civic Center, where the public will have the opportunity to share their input.